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Users, liars, and manipulators — which signs are the most guilty?
By Trudi Mentior — Written on Oct 31, 2017
We all need a little (or a lot of) help from time to time. Humans are social creatures, and we rely on our friends, family, and support groups to get us through our lives. We all use other people in one way or another, but when it’s consensual and everyone gets something positive from the arrangement, it helps us all to survive and thrive.
To participate in society requires all of us to know how to balance our inner “giver” and “taker” natures. Some people are naturally more giving than others. They get a positive charge out of helping and making people happy.
And, of course, we all know those who need a little more attention and assistance than the rest of us. Sometimes they’re just selfish or don’t realize how much they’re asking of those around them, but many of them genuinely need the extra help.
But there are always those folks who just want to be “takers.” They don’t think twice about stepping on others to get their way, and they don’t care about the pain they cause.
These manipulative users consciously prey on the people in their lives. They are emotionally exhausting to be around, as if they’re sucking your very essence away before you realize what’s going on.
Even after you get wise to their tactics, it takes a lot of effort and reading many horoscopes to really cut the cord and stop allowing them to keep on taking from you. Once they do finally leave, you can be sure that they haven’t learned any compassion — they’re just going to find a new unsuspecting victim and start the process all over again.
Here are the zodiac signs most likely to use you, ranked from least to most likely.
1. ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries is a loner to begin with. They often become leaders, but that’s because they’re so self-sufficient that other people naturally want to follow along. Aries doesn’t need to use anyone — they’d rather reach their goals on their own.
2. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo is focused on information and facts, not people. They don’t usually even think about manipulating anyone else since other people aren’t usually a big part of their plan. Besides, Virgo is so critical and nit-picky that they probably wouldn’t trust anyone else to do anything for them, anyway.
3. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Libra, on the other hand, loves to be around other people and wants to see everyone participating. Always hyper-attuned to the balance of energy in a group, Libra isn’t likely to suck up any extra for themselves — they’d rather see it go where it’s most needed.
4. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
One of the most honest and open signs of the zodiac, Sagittarius doesn’t have a manipulative bone in their body... until you betray their trust. A Sagittarius who realizes they’ve been manipulated is a dangerous person. They will hold that grudge for years, lulling you into a false sense of security, gently steering you into just the right place for them to take out their perfectly-planned revenge.
5. PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Let’s face it, Pisces can be pretty needy. They require a lot of attention and emotional support, and that can make them seem like users sometimes. But this sign isn’t trying to trick you into giving more than you can. In fact, if they thought their needs were hurting someone else, they’d feel even worse.
6. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus respects the idea of property and security, so they’re not likely to try to take yours away from you. However, Taurus is always looking for ways to increase the value of their own estate.
You have to be careful making deals with Taurus since they know how to get the best part of most bargains. It’s not personal, of course. Just good business.
7. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarius definitely has their own whacky agenda and good luck figuring out what that is. They’re not above using others to further their own goals; they don’t usually mean any harm, but to Aquarius, the “Big Picture” is more important than individual feelings.
But don’t worry — Aquarius’ ideas are so complex that you’ll probably never realize that they tricked you into participating.
8. LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leo’s ego requires an audience, and they’ll do just about anything to get and keep your attention. Luckily, when Leo is trying to use you for your energy, you’ll know it — they’re dancing around right in your face where you can’t possibly ignore them.
Praise and compliments go a long way with Leo, but sometimes you need to draw the line and let them know that the show is over.
9. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn has a plan and they’re willing to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to accomplish their objective. When Capricorn needs help getting closer to their goal, they are not above using dishonesty, manipulation, and twists of logic to convince others to go along with them. If that doesn’t work, they can become downright pushy.
10. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini is the sign of communication and eloquence, making them expert liars and persuaders. A highly social sign, they tend to rely on others’ energy to help them find their direction from day to day.
Not that Gemini doesn’t have goals, they just don’t know how to succeed on their own, so they’ll say just about anything to convince people to go along with them.
RELATED: 12 Best Gemini Memes & Quotes That Perfectly Sum Up The Zodiac Twin's Personality Traits
11. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio is a master of drama, mystery, sensuality, and intrigue. They have the innate ability to fascinate and even enchant others. No matter what their intentions may be, that’s just how they are.
Scorpio can’t help but cast their spell wherever they go and by the time you question what’s going on, you’ve already given them what they wanted.
12. CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer says that they’re fine being alone, but Cancer also desperately needs people around to notice how alone they are. Always a bit of a martyr, Cancer is the zodiac’s most passive-aggressive sign, and they are masters at making you want to do things for them out of a sense of guilt and obligation.
Trudi Mentior grew up in Great Falls, Montana, where she spent her formative years wondering just what might be beyond those vast plains, on the other side of those distant mountains. She now lives in Vancouver, Washington, with her husband, three cats, and a loudmouthed hyacinth macaw (who loves to scare the cats).